Great to gather so many countries on one hill in Gasworks Park in Fremont. We played ice breaker games, Seattle trivia and got to know one another just a little bit more over pizza in a park.
Pizza in a Park – Community Meet and Greet
Tag Archives: live-in childcare
Celebrating Summer and Cross-cultural Exchanges
The au pairs in WA state gathered up for some swimming, singing and donating of shoes for the J-1 exchange day national celebrations. We enjoyed one another’s company and sang along to our joint Spotify global jam mix. Summer fun!
Exchange Day is coming soon on August 5, and APIA was excited to celebrate with a shoe drive. Held on the first Monday in August, Exchange Day is a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchange. Program participants come together with their American hosts to share cultural experiences, give back to their communities, and have some fun. This day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of international exchange programs and spread the word about the power of cultural exchange.
APIA has historically celebrated Exchange Day in August with shoe drives, au pair get togethers, and more.
Let’s Play Ball! – June 2024
Delightful day at the ballgame this past weekend with nearly 70 au pairs from around WA in a multi-cluster ball game. Not everyone knew the rules, and we started the day pretty wet from our atmospheric river running through it, but by the end, we were all smiles with a Mariners win and a nice day of hot dogs and Americana.
Au Pairs Discover Gates’s Global Mission – March 2024
We had a wonderful joint cluster meeting with au pairs from around the globe as we “discovered” more about the Gates Foundation together. Au pairs were able to share the main export crops from their own countries and put together the bigger picture of how we are battling poverty and hunger and willing around the world. It was a nice day of witnessing what can happen when we work together to make big changes. We arrived curious and indeed left inspired.
Empowering Women Overseas – February 2024
This cluster event is close to my heart as a former participant, turned practitioner, in cultural exchanges. Decades ago, while living in Spain, and later, while living in Japan, I was followed and attacked. Luckily, walking with a partner freed me from the first attacker and later, my wits and my legs got me out of the second incident. I’m one of the lucky ones. And as one, this particular cluster meeting’s contents are full circle moments, empowering the next generation.
The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in every 3 women in the world experience violence and these stats have not improved over the past decade. While overseas, young women are an especially vulnerable population to acts of violence. It is the world we live in and it is happening everywhere. The good news is that people like Officer Craig and the Bellevue Police are doing something to help combat these statistics in a real way.
Over the weekend, a group of au pairs from Poland, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, France, and South Africa learned the techniques. From using our strong voice, to standing firm so as to not fall and in the right direction leaving the option open to run, Officer Craig reviewed the jiu jitsu mechanics that could help if we are overpowered. Using frames with our arms, the power of our strong legs and closing the gaps (getting closer to an assailant when needed) to lessen impacts.
We are so grateful to the Bellevue Police Department and to people like Officer Craig who work in this proactive way “to protect and to serve citizens” and visitors of WA. These young women are just starting their practice and it’s because of free workshops such as these that women might be safer, walking the streets of any town.
A great supplemental video of the wrist release (2 on 1 variation) can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CJHiI-ADBD8/?igsh=djBpNGE5OWN5aW5i
And the block and frame technique here:
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For the trap and roll mount escape (standard variation):
And another trap and roll punch block variation:
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UW Huskies – Strong Women Abound
The community of Au Pairs in Washington gathered up to watch another group of strong women – the UW women’s basketball team. Basketball, like cultural exchange, is full of lessons in teamwork, pivoting, communicating, and adapting. A fun day was had by all with close to 100 Au pairs joining the fun.
2024 APIA Clubs Formed – Jan 2024
We’ve got gamers, hikers and readers. Au pairs will be finding their special interest groups for 2024. The things they love will be more fun with friends this year!
APIAs Intimate, Monthly Community Coffee Days
This year our cluster had monthly coffee days like last to get to know one another better than having just our one monthly cluster event. (Those tend to be very well attended and active, but less intimate!) I personally adore these coffee times – rotating around our cluster towns – with smaller groups sharing and getting deeper into their experiences and one another. And kids are always invited. 
Holiday Lights and Magic – December 2023
The holiday lights sparkled, along with the spirits of au pairs from around the globe. We shared the traditions from many of our home countries and got a little bit closer last Sunday. Then we stole gifts… In a lively white elephant, au pairs got into the spirit of the swap. We had a fun time and walked away with a smile and another gift (if not the one we selected). When you are far from home, it’s good to know you have a community of people who understand and are there for you. Grateful for the kindness in this group toward one another in this holiday season and throughout the year.
Pottery Painting with Global Pals – November 2023
A group of our best and brightest artists painted their hearts out in our first ever pottery painting cluster meeting at the University Village shop, Paint The Town. It was cathartic and relaxing. And the au pairs got some beautiful keep sakes or gifts for the holidays. Talent abounds in this crew!
